Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails..that’s what little boys are made of.

My new nephew was born Monday – Little Dolce Dude to you

This is not  a post about coupons or mail-in rebates. It’s not even remotely connected to an offer from Starbucks. Well, not really.

It has to do with Starbucks gift cards.

I thought I’d let you in on a little secret that has helped me keep my addiction or obsession with Starbuck’s Venti Old Skool Vanilla Lattes alive and thriving.

Years ago, I started going to Starbucks every morning to start my day. I’ve worked from home as a freelance designer for the last 13 years or so. I found that getting up and going to Starbucks was a way to mark the start of my day and actually speak to other human-beings in person.

Working from home can be quite isolating. And phone calls, email and Twitter only give you so much reality.

As you can imagine, going to Starbucks everyday is not cheap at $4.17 a pop. The regular coffee is much cheaper, but I don’t happen to drink the regular coffee. I can make that at home with their beans, custom roasted beans from my brother-in-law or the stash I have from Tazza D’Oro in Rome.

I know that last bit sounds a bit pretentious, well, whatever, it’s true. I’m not a coffee snob, perhaps more of  a mini-aficionado. I don’t go to Starbucks because I’m an elitist – or maybe just because I’m an elitist (in the most light-hearted sense of the word.) I go for the ambiance, convenience and friendly faces.

They also know how to make my drink exactly right -every time. I drink a Venti (not “large” it’s venti- it means 20 in Italian meaning 20 ounces) Old Skool Vanilla Latte. Old Skool is simply how they used to make 2% before they switched to actual 2% milk instead of whole milk as their standard. When they switched, I didn’t like the 2%, so they make it the “Old Skool” way, 50% Whole and 50% No-Fat. I’m not really concerned with the math – it works for me.

Old Skool is a term used in my Starbucks because of MOI. In fact, that’s my nickname there. If you want to try this Old Skool 2% at your Starbucks you’ll have to actually explain it to them. The newbie’s won’t know the old way – but they’ll make it for you.

Some people say Starbucks is not “authentic.” I’m not the alternative kid of girl that needs a beatnik- indie vibe with a guy sporting a goatee french-pressing my java in order for my coffee house experience to be authentic. I’m there to get coffee, kibbitz with the customers and Barista’s and be on my way.

OK- Here’s the “How To Get Your Coffee Free” part….As the years have gone by, most  people know that’s how I start my day. My Diva Mom started giving me gift cards and making it known that I was ALWAYAS happy with a SBUX gift card.

Friends and family that received gift cards and didn’t frequent SBUX would me give theirs. I would receive Gift Cards for Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Easter, or just because. It’s easy, useful and the giver knows that I LOVE receiving them.

The trick is to mention this often. You’ll find friend who wouldn’t normally give you anything will pick up a little $5 card here and there for you. They’ll be tucked in a card as a little something extra from family.

My Aunt sent me a Starbucks Birthday card she ordered from them online. She didn’t even have to go to a Starbucks.

I’ll be honest, this so does not cover my entire Starbucks habit. But it’s enough to help.

I also feel as if I’m spreading joy through the world by making others feel happy knowing they gave a gift that is truly appreciated.

I should fully disclose that I am a Starbucks Shareholder. If you do purchase anything from Starbucks, I guess, in some small way, I do benefit…but Hey- I’m just spreading a little joy.

We’ve entered Start Up Nations Top 100 Home Based Businesses contest and could sure use your support!

We’re entered in the Most Glamorous and Yummiest categories…and well, aren’t we?

You won’t have to decide which – JUST VOTE NOW & VOTE OFTEN!  *please*

There is no registration and it only costs a Click! You may Vote once a day until the end of October- and I hope you do!

Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it.

La Dolce Diva, Inc.

*Update: Voting is now over..stay tuned..winners will be announced mid-November.

Wow. I’m sure this happens to bloggers everyday, but I was excited to get this email from The Daily Reviewer:

Congratulations! Your readers have submitted and voted for your blog at The Daily Reviewer. We compiled an exclusive list of the Top 100 Shopping Blogs, and we are glad to let you know that your blog was included!

You can see it at http://thedailyreviewer.com/top/shopping/3

Cheers!

Angelina Mizaki
Selection Committee President
The Daily Reviewer
http://thedailyreviewer.com

Thanks to The Daily Reviewer and thanks to our readers.

La Dolce Diva is back  from the Big “D”, Dallas market.

The market was very successful in more ways than just business. I met some fun entrepreneurs, salespeople and of course, new La Dolce Diva clients!

This quick video was filmed during an early morning sales meeting- that is why I am whispering….I hope you enjoy.

A big Diva Welcome to the new shops that are carrying La Dolce Diva..if you are in the area, won’t give them a visit?!

Wish List Boutique, Vancouver BC, Canada
St. Luke’s Auxiliary Gift Shop, Boise ID
Funky Divas, Port Lavaca TX
Kemah Bella Spa, Kemah TX
Socially Write, Plano TX

To locate a La Dolce Diva Retailer in your area, please visit our site.

A big Diva Welcome to the new shops that are carrying La Dolce Diva..if you are in the area, won’t give them a visit?!

Paper Affair, Dallas TX
Paper Affair, Plano TX
Cosmetic Surgery Center & Spa, San Antonio TX
Pappagallo, Beamont TX
T. Hee Greetings, Dallas TX
Infocus, Orange TX
Le Jardin, Sapulpa OK
Swanky Girl, Stanwood WA
Bella Boutique, Newtown Square PA

To locate a La Dolce Diva Retailer in your area, please visit our site.

We are so excited to be featured by Donna Maria of The Indie Beauty Network as Indie Candy of the week! We have been called Sweet, but never an actual piece of candy!

The Indie Beauty Network (IBN) helps independent (indie) business owners to maximize their potential through small business ownership. They are a business organization, dedicated to serving their members’ business needs so they can focus on earning a fair profit and growing their companies.

Donna Maria’s Indie Beauty Network has been an invaluable source of information and kinship. We thank her for profiling La Dolce Diva in this week’s feature.

Here is an excerpt:

Jennifer loves to travel, especially to Italy. She also loves horses — so much so that, after her first horse riding lesson, she sold her condo and bought one of her own. What do Italy and equestrians have in common? Indie Beauty of course, by way of this enterprising entrepreneur whose products whisk you away to your Mediterranean cottage by the sea! Click to read more…

The fabulous establishments that have joined the La Dolce Diva Sisterhood by carrying La Dolce Diva Bath and Body products! Why don’t you drop in and see our collection in person…let us know what you think!

Chelsea, AL: Chelsea Lane
Bentonville, AR: Tres Bellas
Bakersfield, CA: Chelsea Place
Bakersfield, CA: Uniquely Chic
Corona, CA: Castles & Cottages
Los Angeles, CA: Brent-Air Pharmacy
Montrose, CA: Revelation Dresses
San Diego, CA: Urban Girl
Valdosta, GA: The Red Velvet Bakery
Yorkville, IL: Vignettes
Newton, NC: Head Over Heelz
Sicklerville, NJ: Jessiana’s Boutique
Corvallis, OR: Forever Fashions
Westchester, PA: Bling It On!

Please check our site to search for additional locations in your area. If you know of a boutique that you think would be perfect for the La Dolce Diva Bath & Body collections, please let us know!

Style Bakery has awarded La Dolce Diva Best “On The Rise” Beauty Design for 2008! We are so excited, honored and proud to receive this award.

Here is a little bit about StyleBakery.com from their own Style Chefs:

We know that not everyone identifies with the fashions seen on the runways or in magazines. Each season, we translate the newest trends for “real” people, “real” bodies, “real” budgets and “real” lifestyles.

Our goal at Style Bakery.com is to gather all the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for style, right here on one website. Our style chefs edit the latest fashions, accessories, beauty products and gift ideas with your tastes and appetites in mind.